George Russell returned to winning ways after a series of disappointments on Sunday when he claimed a measured victory for Mercedes ahead of Red Bull’s four-time champion Max Verstappen in a thrilling Austrian Grand Prix. The 28-year-old Briton, the pre-season favourite for the drivers’ title and winner of the opening race, secured his second win of the year and the seventh of his career in a close race, declared to be a ‘heat hazard’ event, at the Red Bull Ring circuit. Russell came home 1.611 seconds ahead of a charging Verstappen who in turn resisted championship leader Kimi Antonelli, in the second Mercedes, to finish 0.375 seconds in front of him as they crossed the line.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was fourth, 20 seconds adrift, ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari, Isack Hadjar in the second Red Bull and world champion Lando Norris in the second McLaren.

Charles Leclerc was eighth in the second Ferrari ahead of the two Red Bulls of Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad.

“It’s beautiful to be back on the top step,” said Russell.

“It’s been a while so I’m definitely going to enjoy this one tonight. Max and Red Bull were incredibly quick this weekend, so kudos to them. I had to push every single lap — and I’m looking forward to a drink now.”

Russell’s win trimmed Antonelli’s advantage ahead of him in the title race by 10 points to 40, the Italian teenager having reeled off five straight wins to establish a clear lead earlier in the season.

Verstappen, who started fifth, made light of the temperatures of 37C (air) and 62C (track). He said: “It was a very good race for us. The first laps were fun and then I managed the tyres.”

Antonelli said: “I was a bit too excited in the first laps and I didn’t drive well, but after changing tyres, I re-set and the pace was strong. It’s a shame I joined the party a bit too late.”